DROUGHT TROUBLES PASTORALISTS, THEY TURN TO MODERN ALTERNATIVES

 

Drought Troubles Pastoralists, They Turn to Modern Alternatives

By Shaban Njia, KAHAMA

Drought has continued to be a major challenge for pastoralists in various parts of the country, especially in Shinyanga Region, where livestock keeping is the main economic activity for many residents.

In Ushetu District Council — particularly in Mwamapalu and Songa areas — the effects of drought have severely affected pastoralists who are struggling to find water and pasture for their livestock.

Pastoralists say the situation has become extremely difficult due to prolonged drought, which has greatly affected their economy by reducing livestock production levels.

EFFECTS OF THE DROUGHT

Boniphace Shija, a pastoralist from Chambo Ward in Ushetu, says this year’s drought season has intensified more than usual, causing a severe shortage of water and pasture and putting their animals in danger.

He says due to the shortage of water and pasture, they are often forced to walk more than 15 kilometres in search of water and grazing areas for their animals — a burden they have endured for a long time.

“When drought hits our area, we are forced to walk more than 15 kilometres to find water. Our cattle get exhausted and some die along the way. Seeing them die is painful, so any solution that helps us produce alternative animal feed brings us great relief.”

He adds that due to the lack of grass, they are forced to buy animal feed such as hay, where a 15-kilogram bale costs between Tsh 12,000 and Tsh 15,000 — a high cost considering they have many animals that require large quantities of feed daily.

He also notes that prices for additional feed like maize bran, cottonseed cake, and mineral supplements have become too high, together with the cost of water — all of which have worsened the challenges for pastoralists in the area.

REQUESTS FROM LIVESTOCK KEEPERS

Speaking to the media, livestock keepers urged the government and development partners to support them by providing alternative modern animal feed, especially during this prolonged dry season.

They said the scarcity of grass and water forces them to sell their livestock at throwaway prices to avoid more deaths. They added that the introduction of modern livestock feeding technologies—such as silage, hay conservation, and special livestock pellets—would help them survive drought periods.

A pastoralist from Busangi Ward, Joyce Manda, said her family has suffered repeated livestock losses and that she has been forced to borrow money to buy feed. She explained that drought has worsened poverty in the area.

NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE RESPONDS

An official from the Kahama District Natural Resources Office said they are aware of the ongoing challenges and are working with partners to provide livestock keepers with practical training on modern livestock-keeping techniques that can withstand climate change.

The official said the district has been implementing awareness programmes on pasture conservation and encouraging farmers to plant drought-resistant fodder crops.

EFFORTS BY LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Master George, Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Animal Rights Organization, said livestock keepers need to shift from relying on natural pasture to adopting modern feeding methods. He said many livestock keepers in Kahama, and its outskirts have been affected by the drought to the extent of losing their entire herds. George added:

“If modern technology is embraced, we can reduce livestock deaths caused by drought. We are working with various stakeholders to educate livestock keepers on how to produce alternative animal feed.”

He emphasized that the program aims to empower livestock keepers to maintain animal productivity even under harsh drought conditions.

HOPE FROM SEVERAL INITIATIVES

The article concludes by noting that several initiatives are being put in place to help livestock keepers, including: Encouraging the planting of fodder crops, storage of animal feed for use during dry seasons, formation of community groups to jointly purchase feed, awareness programmes on water conservation,training on livestock health and nutrition and supporting livestock keepers with improved breeds resistant to harsh climates

Pastoralists hope these interventions will reduce livestock deaths and ensure sustainable livelihoods despite the changing climate.

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